February Article
Happy Valentines Day from all of us at Crossroads Family Ministries!
Love is truly worth celebrating, and the greatest love of all is the love God has for us. As 1 John 4:8 reminds us, "God is love." And because He first loved us (1 John 4:19), we can love Him and one another with genuine, overflowing hearts.
This month, we are excited to share a special story from one of our clients. With her permission, she has graciously agreed to open up about how Crossroads impacted her life. Her testimony is a beautiful reminder of Gods faithfulness and the hope He brings in every season.
Here is her story -
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Autumn Longworth, and I would like to share how Crossroads Ministry has shaped both my spiritual journey and my path as a young mother. I am 25 years old now, and I had my son when I was 21. Those early years of motherhood were filled with both joy and uncertainty. I wanted to give my son the best life I could, but there were many days when I felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn.
My introduction to Crossroads Ministry happened in an unexpected way. I was shopping in their thrift store, looking for clothes for my son, when Caressa (Thrift 4 Life store manager) approached me. She kindly asked if I had heard about Crossroads Ministry’s Motherhood Program. At that time, I was doing everything I could to take care of my child, but I often felt unsure spiritually and emotionally. Her invitation came at a moment when I truly needed guidance and support.
After joining the program, I met Tammy, the head of Crossroads Ministrys Motherhood Program. Her leadership, compassion, and steady encouragement made a profound impact on me. Tammy did not just organize classes or meetings. She created a space where young mothers like me could grow, heal, and find confidence again. She helped me see potential in myself that I had not recognized, and she walked with me through challenges with patience and understanding.
letter continued -
Through the programs teachings, Bible studies, and the support of both Tammy and the other mentors, I began reconnecting with God in a real and personal way. My faith, which once felt uncertain, became a source of strength. I learned how to lay down my worries instead of carrying them by myself, and I began to trust God with the future He has for me and my son.
One of the greatest gifts Crossroads Ministrys Motherhood Program gave me was community. Being a young mother can feel isolating, but here I found women who understood the pressures, fears, and hopes that come with raising a child. With Tammy guiding the program and Caressa supporting me from the very beginning, I felt surrounded by people who truly cared.
Today, I feel more grounded, confident, and spiritually renewed. I am becoming the mother I longed to be and the woman God is shaping me to become. I am deeply grateful for Crossroads Ministry, for Caressa’s kindness that day in the thrift store, and for Tammy’s unwavering support and leadership throughout this journey.
Sincerely,
Autumn Longworth
As we celebrate love this Valentines Day, we ask for your prayers -
- Please pray for our clients - that they would feel Gods love surrounding them, find strength in His promises, and experience His peace and provision.
- Please pray for our staff and volunteers - that God would continue to use us as vessels for His glory, giving us wisdom, compassion, and endurance as we serve.
Thank you for being part of our Crossroads family. Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean the world to us. May your Valentines Day be filled with the deep, unending love of our Heavenly Father.